Hepatitis C
Hep C has no vaccine. But it is curable 95% of the time.
You can get hepatitis C through bodily fluids, usually during sex, sharing needles, etc.
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Symptoms of Hepatitis C
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Lack of hunger
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Joint pain
- Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes
It can take decades for more serious symptoms to happen. And even initial symptoms can take 2 to 6 months.
Fact or Myth: Getting Hep C from Toilet Seats or Kissing
Myth: Hepatitis C does not pass from person to person through sharing utensils, drinking after each other, kissing, breastfeeding, coughing, or sneezing. It spreads primarily through blood-to-blood contact. The virus also can’t stay alive on a toilet seat long enough for someone to get it that way.
Dangers & Risks to Know About
A baby can catch Hep C during birth. And hepatitis is one of the most common causes of liver cancer.
Those with Hep C may have no symptoms early on. But if Hep C goes untreated, it will almost always progress to a life-long chronic condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Statistics to Know
Most Common Type
Hepatitis C is the most common type of viral hepatitis in the US, with 69,800 new cases diagnosed in 2021. 2.2 million people in the US are living with hep C. An estimated 40% of people with hep C don’t know it because they do not have symptoms. But they can still pass it on to others.
Screening & Testing
Screening
Everyone over 18 should have a hepatitis C screening test once in their lifetime. Pregnant women should also get screened. Those at increased risk or who donate blood or semen should request screening more often.
Testing
If you believe that you may have been exposed to Hep C, get tested as soon as possible when treatment can cure or prevent long-term complications
We use PCR testing for all our STDs. It is the most reliable, with an accuracy rate of 99%. Results within 48 hours of drop-off
Test Menu
In the state of Colorado, you can order a Hepatitis C test without an order from a provider. Or get tested for 10 common STDs at once with a 10 STD panel. Learn more about ordering your own STD testing online.
Treatment for Hepatitis C
Is It Curable or Treatable?
Yes. Hepatitis C is curable 95% of the time. Those with Hep C take an antiviral medication for 12 weeks to cure the condition, and the sooner a person starts treatment, the more likely they are to recover fully.
Rest, hydration, and nutrition can help ease symptoms, but antiviral treatment is what actually cures the infection.